Study: 1 in 5 young adults has personality disorder

December 1, 2008 2:57:19 PM PST

Recent tragedies, such as the fatal shootings at Northern Illinois University and Virginia Tech have raised awareness about the prevalence of mental illness on college campuses. And now a report in the Archives of General Psychiatry is showing how common the problem may be.

According to the study, almost one in five young American adults has a personality disorder that interferes with everyday life. This includes problems, such as obsessive or compulsive tendencies and anti-social behavior that can sometimes lead to violence.

The study also claims even more young people abuse alcohol or drugs. And fewer than 25 percent of this population with mental problems get treatment.